Stephen Ministers are there:

…after you’ve washed and returned the last casserole dish.

…after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.

…after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away – and the house  

   suddenly seems incredibly empty.

...after you arrive home following the funeral service and the emotions you’ve held at

   bay come crashing in on you.

…after the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful.

…after the doctors have said, “There’s nothing more we can do.”

…after the door has slammed shut – for the very last time.

…after the phone call you’d always hoped you’d never get.

…after you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement

   party move more slowly than you ever imagined.

…after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your

   new home.”

…after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.

…after the baby has arrived, putting more demands on you than you ever dreamed

   possible.

…after you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.

…after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you

   still need to talk it out.

Stephen Ministers are the “After People.”  We are ready to come alongside you – or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives – and provide comfort and support for as long “after” as we are needed. (Copyright © 2003 by Stephen Ministries in St. Louis, Missouri.  Congregation members have permission to reproduce this sheet to use within their congregation to build support for Stephen Ministry.)

The Stephen Ministry Program at Carmel United Methodist Church equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-on-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life difficulties and circumstances.

The four points of the Caregiver’s Compass illustrate what Stephen Ministers are all about. We have COMPASSION for the care receivers’ spiritual, emotional, or physical issues. We are FULL OF FAITH because we rely on God—not our own actions—to bring hope and healing to our care receivers. We become SKILLED through our initial training and twice-monthly supervision and continuing education. Care receivers depend on our TRUSTWORTHINESS—confidentiality is a cornerstone of Stephen Ministry. At the center of the compass and at the center of our ministry is our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST, who heals through us and fills us with faith, love, and forgiveness.

Our Vision for Stephen Ministry is for all of God’s people to experience the unconditional love of Christ and the healing touch of God in their times of greatest need.

Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry: those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

To become a Stephen Minister or to receive a Stephen Minister's care, contact the church and ask to be put in touch with a Stephen Leader or one of the Pastors.

Carmel United Methodist Church  ·  621 South Range Line Road  ·   Carmel, IN  46032
Office Hours:  *Monday - Friday  8:00 am to 5:00 pm  *Sunday 8:00 am to Noon
Office: (317) 844-7275 · Fax: (317) 848-8790   Preschool: (317) 844-1958

Send mail to caremail@carmelumc.org with questions or comments about the church and its programs.

Send mail to webmaster@Carmelumc.org with questions or comments about this web site.

Copyright © 2001-2008 Carmel United Methodist Church, Inc.
Last modified:  10/09/08